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Considerations of an economic find statistical nature underlie virtually all activities of FAO. Persons responsible for the development and ad. ministration of agricultural policies and programs need statistical information before action can be taken on national and international problems. Few problems confronting FAO can be classified as being exclusively economic or statistical, but likewise there are few problems with which FAO deals which do not have important economic and statistical aspects.

Over the longer term, governments will increasingly be faced with the problem of how to achieve the needed production at the lowest cost, and with the minimum drain on resources. This represents a change from recent years when the major concern was howl to get more food at any cost. The increasing importance: of economical production-of the most profitable use of the resources available-will demand close attention. Decisions must be made as to the best use of scarce capital for fertilizers, for farm power and machinery for the development of new land, for marketing and processing facilities, for agricultural credits. Each such problem has economic as well as technical agricultural aspects.

Many immediate and long-term economic problems of agriculture have been considered by the present session of the FAO Conference, and are constantly before national governments. FAO should be prepared to provide factual information and assistance to the solution of economic and statistical problems. The Conference is glad to note that the proposed program of work places greater emphasis upon regional activities and the provision of competent advice to member governments on a broad range of economic and statistical problems affecting agriculture. It notes the progress that has already been made in this respect, but finds that the advice offered needs to be sufficiently specific to meet the particular needs of member governments. Only if FAO presents the results of its analyses impartially and fearlessly, from the standpoint of an international agency fully aware of the situation throughout the entire world, will its materials and conclusions be of greatest value to member governments.

It is agreed that primary emphasis should be given to helping on activities in which governments are acting together, and for which they need information and analyses that go beyond individual national boundaries. Through close co-operation among the technical staffs, of governments, FAO and; where appropriate, other international agencies, progress toward achieving FAO's objectives will be more rapid than by any other method. When staff members are assigned to regional work, every effort should be made to allow adequate time for the staff member to become familiar with the problems of a country and a region, in order that the exchange of ideas and of information between him and the national officers concerned will be mutually beneficial.

The Conference has examined the report on the work of the past year and the program of work submitted for 1949. It is gratified to note that substantial progress has been made- in carrying out the major activities recommended by the 1947 session of the Conference, and approves the program of the Division for 1949. In that connection the Conference devoted special attention to the following items.

World Census of Agriculture

The Conference is glad to learn that more shall 65 countries have indicated to FAO that they are carrying on preparatory work for the 1950 World Census of Agriculture. Some members of the Conference have stated that their countries will be unable to carry on a census before 1951. It is felt that where a census can be better done in 1951 than earlier, the postponement is in accord with the FAO program. But it would be unfortunate to have the census for any country postponed until after 1951, if that can at all be avoided. The Conference again calls the attention of member governments to the 1950 World Census of Agriculture. The information obtained and the experience gained from such a census will lead to more satisfactory annual surveys of the food and agriculture situation It is hoped) that with the 1950 Census, the world-wide program for periodic censuses of agriculture initiated by the International Institute of Agriculture in connection with the 1930 Census, can be resumed. A census in all parts of the world - including non-self-governing areas - taken in accordance with a uniform program, and at approximately the same time, will make an important contribution to the world's knowledge of its agriculture. Particular attention should be given to the problem of taking the census in those areas in which censuses have not been highly developed.

Current Agricultural Statistics

The Conference stresses again the importance of the collection and dissemination of current statistics relating to food: and agriculture. It is pleased to note that significant progress- has been made in restoring the statistical service which the International Institute of Agriculture had developed before the war, and urges continued efforts to provide governments and international organizations with up-to-date food and agricultural statistics. Supplying such statistics is peculiarly a function for an international agency. The improvement of national statistics makes prompt and comprehensive publication by FAO more urgent than would be the case otherwise. Forward estimates of crop and livestock production and of the food situation are essential for this and other purposes. FAO should explore the possibility of securing from agencies of national governments forward estimates of the information from which such estimates could be computed.

The Conference notes that the proposed Pro gram of Work for 1949 anticipates reductions in the frequency with which monthly and annual statistics of food and agriculture would be issued. The Conference attaches great importance to the statistical publications, and considers the collection and publication of agricultural statistics to be a basic and essential activity of FAO. Therefore,

The Conference recognizes that some of the statistics needed by FAO are being assembled by other agencies and stresses the importance of avoiding duplication of statistical services;

Plans and Programs

The Conference is agreed that governments acting individually and jointly through FAO need to develop forward-looking targets and pro- Third Session of the Conference that all member governments be urged to establish production targets as a basis for planning the organization of production, and recalls the recommendations of production and as a guide to intelligent international consultation and action, and the similar recommendations of the Council of FAO at its first session in November 1947. The Conference notes that the Director-General proposes to make available economic and statistical staff to assist member governments in carrying out this work.

Food Balance Sheets

The Conference learns with interest of the progress that has been made in the development of food balance sheets for nearly 60 countries, and appreciates that the work was done through the co-operation of the Nutrition and Economics Divisions. Food balance sheets bring together the significant information in teach country on production, trade, and utilization of all food products, and provide a synopsis of the entire food situation. The Conference believes that the food balance sheet technique is a useful tool in the analysis of progress made in improving the food position in all countries. It suggests that governments should be encouraged to develop their own food balance sheets, and that FAO should be prepared to assist those governments which find it difficult to do this.

Statistical Training

The Conference is gratified with the success achieved in the regional statistical training schools conducted during the past year in the Near East and in Latin America in co-operation with governments and other international agencies; and in the special training school conducted in cooperation with the Government of China. It would urge that in further developments of this type every effort be made to continue and repeat such co-operative arrangements. It is particularly gratified to hear that the Government of India has offered its facilities for the establishment of a similar training school for Southeast Asia. It stresses the importance of an experimental enumeration as part of any training program.

The Conference welcomes the proposal to organize a training school for statisticians in Southeast Asia in the near future, with the purpose of rendering assistance in the proposed Census of Agriculture, and urges member governments to cooperate in; regard to arrangements and facilities in every feasible way. The work on economic trends and prospects affecting agriculture in the Division's program of work, particularly that dealing with international trade balances and exchange problems and economic and financial problems of agricultural development, will need to be intensified to aid the Council in carrying forward the recommendations proposed by Commission I.

The Fisheries Division of FAO is faced with the problem of encouraging in various parts of the world, not only the exploitation of fishing grounds which have either never been touched or are only being exploited to a limited extent, but at the same time the improvement or even the provision of advice on new methods of catching, processing, and distribution. In other words, in many parts of the world untouched fish supplies exist which, if properly exploited, would be of the greatest value to the inhabitants within reasonable reach. Potential fish supplies also exist in inland waters, and this is the more important in certain countries where conditions prevent the possible harvest from the sea reaching more than the coastal dwellers.

The Conference considers that the need for help, advice, and guidance from FAO is very great but it is obvious that with such a task in view, only a limited number of problems can be dealt) with tat one and the same time. The work requires experts of the highest order, who are not easily obtained. Consequently, the Fisheries Division has had to build up its staff gradually.

The Conference has reviewed in some detail the program submitted by the Fisheries Division which was formulated with the advice of the Standing Advisory Committee on Fisheries set up by the Director-General. It is satisfied that the program submitted, although representing a minimum program, can enable FAO to make a considerable contribution to the problems the world's food supply.

The Conference notes with satisfaction the report of the Director of the Fisheries Division as to work already done and that proposed for the year 1949 and approves the projects as modified by the findings of the Commission. It believes that this program, although a minimum program, can achieve a considerable contribution to the problem of the world's food supply.

In signifying its approval, however, the Conference has in mind certain specific problems which some delegates seek to see solved in their particular areas. For example, the view has been expressed that greater exploitation of inland fisheries should be instituted, and that in addition FAO should devote itself more actively to the provision of requisites for securing greater fisheries production. A resolution was moved that FAO should take early steps to assist national governments to improve inland fisheries along with coastal fisheries; and should help in the supply of requisites essential for fisheries production in view of their great demand coupled with shortage in supply.

International Standards

The Conference has in mind certain matters upon which-its advice has been sought. First the question of international standards of quality, packaging, weight, and description. In this connection it is recalled that at the Third Session of the Conference certain recommendations were made as follows:

Regional Councils

The second point upon which the advice of the Conference has been sought is in relation to regional councils.

There are many areas in the world where there is need for a vigorous attack on the problems of securing adequate information about sea and fresh-water fisheries; such basic knowledge is essential to secure a maximum continuous yield. The facets of the scientific problem presented are so intricate and the field so extensive and international in nature, that it is beyond the capacity of any one nation to make such an attack by itself in a completely effective way. Cooperative approach by nations in a particular region is clearly demanded. Where such approach is not provided for by existing bodies, the Third Session of the Conference recommended that FAO should take action to initiate the formation of regional councils in parts of the world now not actively served by such or similar bodies, giving primary consideration to the following areas:

and that the boundaries of these areas and the constitution of the councils should be left open for discussion and determination by the member nations concerned.

These councils would be concerned principally with the work of formulating problems, deciding the priority of approach, and co-ordinating the efforts of member governments in the research program formulated. FAO was to provide the secretariat for such councils and it was contemplated that wherever two or more member governments of such councils co-operate under any form of agreement to undertake and finance contributory joint research, similar secretariat serve! ices, if necessary, could be rendered by FAO within its means.

In pursuance of this policy, an agreement has been achieved at Baguio which has already been accepted by six governments, and the inaugural meeting is to take place in accordance with the! agreement on or before 9 May 1949. The Conference feels that the Fisheries Division is to be congratulated on having completed the initiation of this council. While it was not specifically set forth in the resolution of the Third Session of the Conference, it was understood that the initial efforts of the Fisheries Division would be devoted to the establishment of regional councils in the first three areas listed above. The second of these areas is already covered by the proposed Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council, and it is noted that certain proposals by member governments have been initiated which may lead to a treaty covering the first area, or Northwestern Atlantic, which may accomplish many of the purposes of a fisheries council in that area. There remain, however, the other areas mentioned in the Geneva resolution, and after a full discussion of the problem, the Conference notes with satisfaction the progress made in establishment of the Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council and reiterates approval of the establishment of such councils in parts of the world not now served by such or similar bodies.

In the past year and in accordance with the recommendations of the Third Session of the Conference, the Division of Forestry and Forest Products has progressed from plans to action.

The Conference expresses its satisfaction with these results. In certain respects they fall short of what was desired, but they constitute a maximum accomplishment for the funds and staff available to the Division.

In view of existing budgetary limitations, the program of work for 1949 as endorsed by the Standing Advisory Committee, constitutes a reasonable selection of projects. The Conference expresses its general approval of this program.

The Conference draws attention to the necessity for close co-operation between the Division of Agriculture and the Division of Forestry and Forest Products on the urgent question concerning the relationship between shifting cultivation and forests in tropical countries. It desires further to emphasize the interest it attaches to the projects the Division has already undertaken or proposes to undertake, concerning such subjects as uniformity in common and commercial names of tropical woods, forestry legislation, the problems of technical forestry training in countries with forest resources, and forestry combines, all offering possibilities of co-operation with different organizations already in existence.

A certain number of points on the program have particularly caught the attention of the Conference.

Regional Activities

Regional activities constitute the best means of developing regional forest policy by co-ordination of national programs and stimulation of intraregional trade. Accordingly,

Relations with Other United Nations Agencies

The Conference is impressed with the progress achieved in Europe with regard to increased timber production and export through the timber . equipment program carried out in co-operation with the Economic Commission for Europe and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.. It believes that the experience gained in this instance should be given due attention on-a wider scale and should serve as a pattern for similar action in other regions. In particular,

Relations with Other International Bodies

The Conference considers that it is FAO's responsibility to co-ordinate all activities concerning the forest and its products and to ensure direct and close contacts between technicians and research organizations. Accordingly,

Third World Forestry Congress

Preparatory Conference on World Wood Pulp Problems 4

In view of the uncertain outlook with regard to productive capacity and demand for wood pulp,

Forestry Requisites

Progress in forest development and the application of improved production methods in forest industries is being delayed by difficulties encountered by many countries in securing production requisites. The timber equipment program developed with regard to Europe constitutes an important demonstration of the practical advantages to be gained from international cooperation in this respect. Therefore,

Forestry Statistics

Technical Progress

The Conference stresses the need to apply modern scientific methods to forest management and silvicultural practices in different parts of the world, and recognizes the importance attached by member governments to FAO's advisory services in this field. Accordingly,

Tropical Agriculture and Forestry

The deleterious effects of destructive nomadic agriculture, overgrazing, overcutting, and burning in tropical and subtropical regions are producing a situation that threatens the very livelihood of millions of people. The progressive deterioration of the soil and the disruption of water supply must command the immediate attention of all governments in these regions. Efforts to attack the problem are practicable at this time because of the accumulated experience of many countries already suffering the consequences of past abuses of the land. This was recognized most recently by the African Conference on Soils, held at Goma, Belgian Congo, in November 1948, and the Inter-American Conference for the Conservation of Renewable Resources, held at Denver, Colorado, in September 1948.

That research into the causes of soil deterioration and into the application of control measures is within the jurisdiction of FAO, was recognized specifically by the Forestry and Forest Products Committee of the Interim Commission. It has been reiterated at subsequent sessions of the Conferences as a matter for collaboration between the Divisions of Agriculture and Forestry and Forest Products. In order to assure the harmonious use of land, security of the people, and a better standard of living, it is essential to bring together the techniques of agriculture, forestry, and grazing management. This will involve the study of such specific problems as the following:

In order to secure prompt action,

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